Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

This trip was amazing Past Review

By (University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 05/12/2016 to 05/27/2016 with

University of Northern Iowa: Capstone in England and Ireland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I felt that I gained confidence in myself because I learned to maneuver the cities and transportation systems quickly and successfully. I was very independent on the trip and it made it much more enjoyable. I can't put how much I loved my experience into words. I felt I learned a lot about myself and my ability.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no health issues that required healthcare.

* Safety:

I would make sure that students know what political issues are going on in the countries they go to visit. Also knowing the history and relationships between countries. For examble on this particular trip, many of the students did not know that Ireland and Northern Ireland were two seperate countries or why they were seperate. Though this conflict is not as prevelent today still not knowing something as important as that could have offended many people from those places. Offending or saying something wrong in places where there is conflict is not a good idea and could be dangerous no matter where you are.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I would love to do this trip all over again. However, I found that for me being around 23 people in our group all the time was too much for me. It was very overwhelming and difficult to have so many people in a group together especially when trying to maneuver through cities and crowded areas. Our instructor went so quickly that it was very difficult for me and many others to keep up. It was a lot to worry about. I enjoyed my experience a lot more when me and a few others got to explore and do things at our own pace and with much less people. I loved the countries we went to and I enjoyed many of the people but so many people on this trip was hard to keep track off and I felt it was easier to lose someone. However, the experience I got going to countries I've always wanted to go to was amazing and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50-$100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Since we stay in hostels we have access to kitchens so don't be afraid to just go to the grocery store and buy cheap food to make back at the hostel on occassion. Also don't always eat out. Buy snacks such as granola bars and bananas to keep with you during the day especially for long bus rides and days where there isn't time to get lunch.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Being able to do things on our own.
  • The places we went and were able to see.
  • The amount of things we were able to do and see
* What could be improved?
  • Making sure to go a speed that everyone can keep up with and allowing time for pictures and exploring.
  • Being more organized when it comes to activities and where we are staying.
  • Make sure we don't have to rush around to get everywhere. Its hard to enjoy the world when its blurring past you because you're in a hurry.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I did a lot of research and preperation for this trip so I never really felt surprised or unprepared for anything that I experienced on the trip. The only thing would have been mentally preparing to spend two weeks with 23 people I had never talked to before.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'